SKOPE NEWS FOR SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

About the single “My Hands”: “Fast and to the point, “My Hands,” is possibly the first true single to come out of Phantom Phunk. This up-tempo foot stomper carries a seemingly calculated blend of moods, teetering between a groovy calmness and a hyperactive angst. The darker undertones in this piece however go nearly undetected next to the jubilant lead of the vocal melody. Insulated by crystal-like surf-rock guitars, the lyrics convey a confused kind of dissatisfaction—a passive divide that is just worrisome, yet still, collected enough to achieve the bipolar splits inherent in the music. Regardless, don’t let the brooding lyrics deter you from enjoying this 60’s summer jam” – Phantom Phunk

New Jersey alt-rockers THE BREAK LIGHTS Premiere ‘The Bright Life’ EP

New Jersey’s The Break Lights share its melodic, guitar-heavy debut The Bright Life. The six-track EP premiered exclusively with Pancakes and Whiskey and is available where all digital music is solid and streamed.

Another Story is a band of young musicians and friends formed in Erba, Italy in 2005, with a past as a rock cover band and over 300 live shows over time. There’s 6 of them: Tommaso Severgnini (vocals), Stefano Acuto (guitar), Francesco Badi (guitar), Francesco Anghileri (bass), Gabriele Giussani (drums) and Nicolò Moschera (keyboards).

Songwriting has always been a part of their activity; this led them to participate to a few contests in Italy obtaining good results.

After a couple of intense years playing covers all over Lombardia, in 2013 the band chose to concentrate on their original songs. The outcome is “Due”, a 5 songs EP, out on October 13th 2013, played live for the first time in Cantù at “All’Una e Trentacinque Circa”.

ShipRocked 2018 Is Sold OutStaterooms for ShipRocked 2018 sold out shortly after going on sale to the public, but the lineup for the 4-day cruise keeps growing, including additions to The Stowaways all star band, as well as comedians Big Jay Oakerson, Luis J. Gomez, and Dave Smith. Those who would like to make a reservation for ShipRocked 2018 can join the waiting list by visiting ShipRocked.com.

The band lineup for ShipRocked 2018 – “A ShipRocked Odyssey,” set for January 21-25, 2018 onboard Carnival Liberty, is led by Stone Sour, Seether, In This Moment, and Black Label Society. In all, nearly two dozen bands are slated to play the ninth edition of the annual vacation experience as it sails from Port Canaveral, Florida to Nassau and the private island of Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas.

DEEP STATE REVEALS NEW TRACK “TIME UNRIVALED”

Nothing is a random act. Things come and go in a seemingly unpredictable order, but truth be told, it’s all meant to be. Take Deep State, toiling under the low lights of Athens, making some of the best, pure-bent, rock joy heard in a generation in their crook neck portion of the east coast. Power, volume, transition, and then suddenly, they’re here: one of your new favorite bands, wearing out the motor on your turntable.

Billboard’s Artist On The Rie Hi-Tone Has A Powerful Message for Hip Hop

Recognized as Latin Billboard’s Artist On The Rise, Covina California based Chicano MC (and professional tattoo artist) Hi-Tone is poised to establish himself as a leading voice in contemporary rap for Mexican-Americans.

Nurses is the long-running musical project of Aaron Chapman and John Bowers. Raised in the isolated and predominantly Mormon town of Idaho Falls, Idaho, the duo met through music and a shared restlessness that is still evident in their music today. The project has seen many iterations, but the common thread of making the strange seem familiar—and the familiar strange—remains.

Jasmine Thompson has released a music video for “Words” from her new “Wonderland” EP. Teen Vogue calls the track “…an upbeat and catchy jam, with an electro-pop sound that can’t help but put you in an energetic mood.” “Words” was co-written by songwriting duo Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter (Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber). Jasmine Thompson is also currently on her first ever North American tour (alongside Astrid S).

Emerging electronic pop artist/producer salute release his brand new single ‘That Girl’ featuring the amazing vocal talents of British singer/songwriter Gabrielle Aplin. The catchy, synth heavy track is the follow up to salute’s Liv Dawson featuring, summer anthem ‘Light Up’ that has racked up over 3.5 million streams on Spotify to date. ‘That Girl’ is yet another sublime showcase of salute’s innate skill at combining soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals to create unique, genre blurring electronica.

Listen to Wild Ones’ sleek new single

Wild Ones (Portland, OR) are sharing another single in advance of the release of their sophomore album, Mirror Touch, out October 6th on Topshelf Records. “Invite Me In” is a sensuous pop cut, which The Grey Estates calls “thick and intoxicating.” Listen to it HERE.

Mark “Porkchop” Holder originally turned the blues on its head more than a decade ago as a founding member of punk/blues band Black Diamond Heavies. While he’s been tearing up juke joints, festivals and dive bars since then with his own fiery brand of the blues, it wasn’t until earlier this year that the Tennessee musician released his own debut solo album, Let It Slide, an acclaimed effort that No Depression described as, “…fire in a barrel. If the Rolling Stones camped with Howlin’ Wolf and Billy Gibbons on trucker speed for the weekend with a fuzz pedal, this would be its precious procreation.”

Elephant Fire Releases Debut Record “Natural Heart”

Elephant Fire is an indie rock outfit that creates it’s own swirling cosmic pull, oscillating from ethereal psych-rock to feel good lo-fi pop. On Tuesday, September 26th, the band unveiled two new tracks from new LP Natural Heart, premiering “Come With Me” on Pure Grain Audio, and title-track “Natural Heart” with AXS. Now, today, Natural Heart is available in it’s entirety! The band will be celebrating the album’s release tonight with a show at Gold Sounds in Brooklyn.

Washington, DC-based, psychedelic rock band, Paperhaus, are gearing up to release their new LP, Are These The Questions That We Need To Ask?, due out October 6th via Misra Records. Today, the band shares their new single, “Told You What To Say” via AdHoc, who are excited to team up with Alphaville for the band’s NYC Record Release show on LP’s street date: 10/6. On the same day, the band will be playing a live session at Paste Studios in conjunction with Paste Magazine. Tune in via their Facebook page HERE.

ALMA RELEASE LYRIC VIDEO FOR SINGLE “PHASES”

Finnish pop powerhouse ALMA has released the lyric video for her brand-new single “Phases” [feat. French Montana]. Since it’s release just last week, the song has already received over 2 million streams on Spotify alone and buzzed about as one to watch by Entertainment Weekly, Just Jared, Idolator, OUT, XXL and more.

New Music from Kingston, Jamaica – Pentateuch Movement single “Punchinella”

Pentateuch Movement presents their new single, “Punchinella”, the second release from the forthcoming album titled Chapter XVIII. The promising band from Kingston, Jamaica reveal this new track from what will be their second album after the release of Genesis (2012) and the EP Chapter V (2015).

The track has a sound reminiscent of late 80s Jamaican dancehall with a modern twist. “Tell me where you’ve been Punchinella. I hear she gone with a fella”, soulfully sings Kevor ‘Var’ Williams, lead singer and co-founder of Pentateuch Movement. The music and lyrics, tell the tale of a man looking for his woman after hearing rumors about her alleged infidelity.

Kidd Star “Whiskey & Pantyhose”

Billboard charting DJ and artist Kidd Star has dropped his 3rd single “Whiskey & Pantyhose” from project ‘The Weekend Warriors’, his second solo album on his own label, Live Wire Empire.

The Cold Seas Premiere ‘Lucid’ on Earbuddy

Hailing from Asbury Park, New Jersey (home of Bruce Springsteen), The Cold Seas is the brainchild of Chad Sabo, Erik Rudic, Nash Breen and Matt Castoral. Chad Sabo started out solo, posting his folky demos to Facebook and Soundcloud. Through his friend Stan Greene, his music caught the attention of now manager Edith Bo at Roc Nation, who immediately signed him in 2014 to a publishing deal and picked up one of his songs “Never Ending” for Rihanna to record on her album ANTI. Sabo also produced the recording.

On November 9-12 a global assortment of music industry professionals will descend on multiple venues across Kingston Jamaica for the 5th annual Jamaica Music Conference (JMC). They will join a growing number of local Jamaican music industry professionals who have learned that the Jamaica Music Conference provides a powerful platform for catching up with the latest industry trends, networking and identifying the stars of tomorrow. This 5th staging has been themed, “Reclaiming Our Identity: The rising impact of Jamaica’s music, content and culture”.

After kicking off the year with his stellar release ‘You’ll Never Know (feat. MOZA)’ which raked in over 1.5 million plays on Spotify and his second sold out national tour – Just A Gent is back with his new single ‘Hold (Feat. Thief)’.

PARISH “PMD” SMITH OF EPMD RETURNS WITH NEW VIDEO

Take a certified hip-hop LEGEND, mix in some of the best new talent in hip-hop, add the first new music from EPMD since 2008 and what do you get? Business Mentality!

Parish comments, “On this fourth solo project, I took the opportunity to showcase and introduce new young talent similar to the way I introduced EPMD, Das Efx, Redman, and K-Solo in the past. I’m happy and excited with my fourth solo project and the group effort everyone involved has put forth. A Business Mentality is what Parish ‘PMD’ Smith has possessed since day one. Hip-Hop all day every day.”

Beyoncé is donating her proceeds from “Mi Gente featuring Beyoncé” to hurricane and earthquake relief charities including CEMA, UNICEF and Somos Una Voz for Puerto Rico, Mexico and other affected Caribbean islands.

Ra Ra Ruby – ‘I Need A Woman’ Single

Ra Ra Ruby, a three-piece indie-rock band, have been making headway since their formation in 2016. The trio from Pottsville Beach on the Far North Coast of New South Wales form a unique sound manifesting from their musical influences (from Australian Crawl to Circa Waves) and this transgresses to vibrant, high-energy live performances.

DIGITAL 21 + STEFAN OLSDAL ANNOUNCE THEIR ARRIVAL

Already acclaimed in their own right with their own projects, the album was the result of a burgeoning friendship within the fringe music scene in Madrid, revealing the multi-facetted duo in perfect union and brought about the birth of
D I G I T A L 2 1 + S T E F A N O L S D A L.

Gwen Stefani “Santa Baby” on Interscope Records

You Make It Feel Like Christmas features six originals and six classic holiday tunes. The first single “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” was written by Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, busbee and Justin Tranter, with the other originals being written by Gwen Stefani, busbee and Justin Tranter. You Make It Feel Like Christmas was produced by busbee and Eric Valentine.

After a two-year hiatus period, one of hip-hop’s most prolific and critically acclaimed MC’s, BIG K.R.I.T., returns with the release of a new track titled “Confetti.” The lyrically boisterous record, produced by Camper, alludes to the topic of false pretenses around success while highlighting BIG K.R.I.T.’s introspective opinion on those people and situations that seemingly “fall short” from what it truly means to win.

The Swedish songwriter and artist Adam Avant releases a roaring and high-octane track that stands out from the electronic masses, Money Talks out on Linc/Sony Music today!

During spring 2017 he collaborated with Oliver Ingrosso and now Adam Avant returns by releasing his own follow-up single “Money Talks”. The track swells of racing electronic euphoria maximized with strong punk-rock sub-bass. It is inescapably catchy with infectious energy that fits as a cross-over between modern pop and electronic music. What really makes it stand out in today’s electronic pop scene is its rough punk-rock bass which is highlighted by the British vocals.

Sharp Veins presents bleeds colors and puddles, a UNO NYC label debut combining hyper futuristic melodies and intense digital feedback. The mix builds a rainbow palette of frenzied emotions, furnishing the most definitive statement from the obscurely personal producer yet. Sharp Veins confesses “i ate a lot of my own skin making this record”, following a two-year hiatus since his last EP was released.

Independent singer/songwriter TRACE’s music falls somewhere between the breezy, West Coast cool of Lana Del Rey, and the moody R&B ruminations of James Blake. As the daughter of Vietnamese pop icon Carol Kim, TRACE has always been surrounded by music, spending much of her childhood watching her mom perform in front of thousands of fans or listening to mom’s vocal warm-ups through bedroom walls at home.

Hot on the heels of their Gold-certified summer hit ‘On My Mind’, BRIT-nominated trio Disciples return with their highly anticipated new single, ‘Jealousy’. The track is out now via FFRR.

‘Jealousy’ flaunts a thumping rhythmic bassline, and is laced with the rich vocals of the trio’s very own Nathan Duvall. The melodic beat and crisp percussive elements display their dynamic production skills and signature sound, with an infectious hook that is set to build on the wave of success they’re still riding from ‘On My Mind’ – which has amassed over 55 million online streams.

We Came From Wolves – “Haunt Me”

We Came From Wolves just released a music video for “Haunt Me”, taken from their new EP “Haunt Me” released on 22/09/2017 via Heart Out Records.

The Modern Strangers release new single ‘All The Time’

Speaking about the track they explain, “We’ve wanted to get this track out into the world ever since we wrote it. It’s always a highlight to play live and we’re looking forward to people getting to know it! The song is written about the feeling you get when the suns coming up and you’re still out”

Pax and the Scarlet Field unveil glimmering new track, ‘Baby Change Your Mind’

Taiwan’s free society, rich culture and diverse and abundant creativity have produced many stunning Cinema, TV and Pop music works. Cinema, TV programs and Pop music not only interpret Taiwanese culture from various angles of life, they provide indispensable entertainment in people’s lives. The Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development (BAMID), Ministry of Culture, is taking part in the Taiwan Expo 2017 in the Philippines being held at the SMX Convention Center in Manila September 29 to October 1. It has set up the Taiwan Audiovisual and Music Exhibition Hall where outstanding cultural works from Taiwan are being introduced to the people of the Philippines.

One of Switzerland’s finest indie exports: Lower Pink – “Young”

It is not by chance, that we read & hear such praise. “Lower Pink” achieved the creation of his own atmosphere on his new single “Young” – and he fills this atmosphere with voice, synths & spherical pads. On the climax, the song literally erupts over the listener, just to leave behind a barren silence and to disappear. Immediately, his warm voice finds time & space again.

inc. no world share video for ‘Living’

Following the release of their new EP Living, inc. no world are back today to share a new video. “Living,” the title track from the new project, receives a visual treatment courtesy of director Young Replicant who has previously directed for names such as The xx, Flying Lotus, and Bonobo. Speaking on the video Young Replicant explains, “The video for ‘Living’ is meant as a visual hymn, a meditation on light and the overlooked moments of beauty in everyday life. It was shot with close friends over a couple days in Altadena, Lincoln Heights and Malibu. We really wanted to capture the sincerity of the track with a film that emphasized simplicity and stillness.”

GREY’s Debut EP “Chameleon” Out Now

Artist and producer duo Grey have released their debut EP “Chameleon” today. The five track EP, see full track listing below, includes their latest single, ‘Crime’ feat. Skott, which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Dance/Electronic charts and has been streamed over 2 million times. “Chameleon” is the duo’s first body of work released since the renowned success of their platinum-certified hit, “Starving,” in collaboration with Zedd and Hailee Steinfeld, and their first official single “I Miss You” feat. Bahari, released earlier this year. “Creatively, it was refreshing to let loose, be ourselves, and just go crazy with all the ideas we had bouncing around in our heads once we got in the studio,” Grey says, “our earlier work was more electronic with hints of acoustic layers, but with “Chameleon,” we flipped that balance and then expanded on it. We incorporated not only more guitar, but also cinematic-like string and horn sections throughout that give the whole EP incredible texture.”

Firewoodisland release new single ‘Dearest Brother’

Acclaimed Bristol-based four piece Firewoodisland have released their brand new single ‘Dearest Brother’, the first taste of the band’s forthcoming debut album due early 2018.

‘Dearest Brother’ is a beautiful folk-pop anthem, leading with delicate guitars before breaking into the huge sky-high choruses and souring harmonies – a sound they’ve christened ‘mountain pop’. The result is reminiscent of the likes of Fleet Foxes, Of Monsters & Men and Imagine Dragons.

In a world where adversity and diversity constantly threaten to tear us apart, dance music culture has always provided a safe haven of unity. Felix Cartal emulates this feeling in his new release “Hold Tight,” the B-side track to his recent hit “Get What You Give.”

Skinny Living release new single ‘Fade’

‘Fade’ is the new single from Skinny Living. The track has been produced by Steve Robson (James Bay, John Legend). The song is another emotionally powerful number and its lyrics are delivered by the brilliant vocals of singer Ryan Johnston.

It’s a plaintive, beautifully delivered song that is an illuminative slice of acoustic modern soul music.

Ferris & Sylvester have announced their brand new EP Made In Streatham, out February 2nd. To mark the announcement, the duo have released the lead single, ‘The Room’, which is out now as an instant-grat with pre-orders of the EP.

‘The Room’ is a beautiful slice of autobiographical Americana, detailing the pair’s life in Streatham, London.

“’Colorblind’ is one of the songs off of Feel Something that we felt best embodied the progression of our music,” lead-singer Patrick Miranda tells Billboard. “We wanted the first new song everyone heard to be a heavy hitting banger that would really hit the ground running, and set a tone for the rest of the record.”

Produced by the highly-acclaimed Will Yip (Tigers Jaw, Balance and Composure, Title Fight), the 11-track album serves as the follow-up to the band’s successful Outgrown Things EP released in March of 2016.

Brooding quintet Cavalry have announced the release of Heresy, the first track from their forthcoming debut EP See The Night Perform due out later this autumn.

Offering a hypnotic beat, blown apart by blistering guitars and drums, and a soaring vocal that urges the track on to a furious climax, Heresy finds the band thematically informed by the present – asking where hope can be found in an unnoticed dystopia where once modern fears are normalised.

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ new album, GUILTY OF INNOCENCE (Melodic Revolution Records) is being released this Friday, September 29 in stores, both online and in the real world.

Along with the album’s release, Deninzon is touring actively this fall with Stratospheerius, as well as his Latin jazz String Quartet Sweet Plantain (who also will be part of classic rock group Renaissance’s concerts for the recording of their upcoming Symphonic Album. Joe is soloing on electric violin for the performances, as well).

Black Pistol Fire Release New Album “Deadbeat Graffiti”

Black Pistol Fire’s new album Deadbeat Graffiti is available today. This is the fifth full-length album from the high-octane rock band.

Black Pistol Fire is a Canadian-bred rock duo, currently based out of Austin, Texas and composed of guitarist/vocalist Kevin McKeown and drummer Eric Owen. Their untamed sound stems inspiration from garage-rock, hip-hop, R&B and classic rock. In recent years, they’ve earned a reputation for their powerful live performances in the festival circuit from Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Sasquatch, Governor’s Ball, and most recently Riot Fest, among others. Their upcoming tour includes a performance at Voodoo Fest in October.